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Council delays city electric-feasibility study to September after workload concerns
Summary
After months of debate, council voted 8–1 to push the electric-feasibility study timeline to September, giving staff time to finish ARPA priorities and to invite Liberty Utilities for an informational briefing first.
City manager Nick Edwards told the council the RFP for an electric-feasibility study was advertised on Jan. 5 and that the city budgeted about $100,000 for the work. The study would examine whether Joplin should pursue local electricity generation to spur economic development or reduce costs for residents.
Supporters said the study responds to substantial citizen interest — a petition with 1,620 signatures was cited — and could shape long-term economic strategy. "Our constituents especially deserve to know what they want to know," Councilmember Barth said.
Opponents cautioned that staff is already stretched managing ARPA-funded projects, stormwater work and other major initiatives. Councilmember Cobble warned the city lacks bandwidth while public-safety staffing remains a pressing priority. "We're buried," Edwards said when describing staff workloads, but added he had prepared the scope and advertised the RFP during a short lull so the city would have options.
Council questioned whether the local electric distributor, Liberty Utilities, should brief the council before hiring consultants. Edwards offered operational flexibility: he could either pull the RFP or issue a notice to bidders that extends the deadline and delays notice to proceed so the study’s heavy work would not begin until later. Finance staff (Leslie) clarified that any financial obligation would arise only when a contract is signed; if the council selected a vendor next month it would not yet obligate funds until the contract was brought back for approval.
Following extended debate over timing, staffing and long-term costs, Councilmember Barth moved to push the study schedule to September; the motion passed 8–1. Edwards said staff will notify bidders of the revised timeline and may invite Liberty Utilities to a work session for an informational presentation before the study proceeds.
The council’s action delays selection and start of consultant work while preserving the option to proceed if the next council or staff prioritize it.
